Lately, I have been making my way around the many different gym franchises in NYC, including some private gyms. Here is an observation that I have made at more than one gym, extremely out of shape instructors.
Please understand, I am not attempting to body shame anyone. That being said, these aren’t folks with a few extra pounds which I’m talking about! I’m talking about individuals who are straight up obese! Sucking wind, popping out of their clothes, and barely moving. I recognize that someone doesn’t have to look like Arnold all year round to be in good shape, this isn’t about that. However, as fitness professionals, I believe that it is our responsibility to at least give the appearance that we have seen the inside of a gym within the last year! I know that there are many body types in the world, but there is absolutely zero excuse for an instructor to appear obese.
Again, I’m not looking to body shame, but we are held to a higher standard. How could I stand in front of a group of people, and attempt to lead them in getting fit, when I myself am in terrible physical condition?
When I started working towards my certification, I made it my business to take my cardiovascular conditioning to an entirely different level. I’ve become so fit that my blood pressure medication was cut in half, and most of the cardio classes I take have become easy to me. I’ve dropped a ton of weight, and I continue working towards my fitness goals. You don’t have to be like me, or do what I do. Yet, in my opinion, you can’t be obese as it just sets a bad example. You may be the most knowledgeable person on the subject of fitness, but by not living that which you sell, most people (myself included) will not give you the respect that you may command! That’s reality.
Practice what you preach, and embody what you sell: fitness.
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
What does it mean to say the instructors aren’t fit? I don’t mean to excuse them of course, but this is a common point of confusion. Skill-based activities are often unrelated to one’s body fat percentage.
One of my old friends was a serious marathon runner. And yet somehow, he always managed to resemble a tub of margarine.